Publications

by John Leeke, American Preservationeer

Practical Restoration Reports and books are a detailed technical series on preservation topics packed with practical methods you can use now.

“Based on years of extensive research and field application, each is put together with John’s trademark hands-on, step-by-step instructions and famously lucid illustrations. …photos in particular are marvels of clarity and veracity…” – Gordon Bock, Editor-in-Chief, Old-House Journal

“I’ve appreciated the reliable information and understanding you provide–we particularly appreciated the report on Steam Paint Removal which we found to be enthusiastically, and well written and informative.” – Jeff, woodwork contractor, Chicago

“Thanks, John – I wouldn’t have know where to start on my porch columns without your Restoration Report. Your experience and advice took all the mystery out of the project, and helped so much. Thank goodness for your reports!” – Cindy Nelson, Homeowner, Montana

“This is a great book for all levels of working on windows. Mr. Leeke has put everything together in a clear, easy to follow book. I felt like Mr. Leeke was looking over my shoulder and giving me tips.” – Marion Rood, Woodworker

“Your Practical Restoration Report is really superb. It is the best thing I’ve seen on the subject. It’s clearly written, not overly technical and easy to understand.” – Roger Reed, Maine Historic Preservation Commission

“I landed the contract because your Reports gave me the insight and confidence needed to explain the project to the clients. They said I was the only contractor to give them any hope that the job could be done. Your reports are most informative and concise. I’m very impressed!” – James A. McGrath, Contractor, Eggleston, VA

“Practical Restoration Reports are short, non-technical, and well illustrated…For the building owner, contractor, or architect with a need for solid working information about both what to do and how to do it, they are economical and useful.” – Allen Charles Hill, Architect, Winchester, MA

To Order online: Click “Add to Cart” and “View Cart” below to purchase the reports online via PayPal, or with your credit card.

To Order by phone: If you’d like to talk with a real person, I guarantee that I am one. Just give me a call at 207 773-2306. Leave your number if you get my message machine and I’ll call back to take your order. Payment by check.

If you have any trouble at all with ordering online, please call 207 773-2306 to order by phone.

If you are ordering many publications for an event, place your order at least 30 days in advance, and let me know the date of your event.

Save America’s Windows

Figure 62. Removing Sash. If the sash is still stuck use a “Window Zipper” tool. Lay the bottom of the tool flat on the face of the sash stile. The bottom is smooth and flat so it will not scratch the face of the sash.

177 pages
257 illustrations$35.00

Figure 56. Filling Window Sill Weather Checks. Fill only the checks (cracks) … Do not coat the entire sill with epoxy which can trap moisture promoting decay … Step 4. Fill the checks with epoxy filler. The epoxy must completely fill the checks.

Sample Pages (PDF)
Covers traditional methods and the latest in modern high-tech materials and techniques. Learn how to avoid falling under the spell of the window replacement salesman. Specific step-by-step repair and maintenance treatments. Window project profiles. National directory of 200+ window specialists who will save your windows and not try to sell you replacements. Reprints of five window chapters from 19th and early 20th century trades manuals.

Lap the paint about 1/16″ onto the glass.

This is the new 2013 edition with many revisions, an all new chapter on sash glazing and painting; and an expanded directory with hundreds of window specialists, some in every state. 177 pages, 257 illustrations. (color cover, black & white inside, paperback bound)

Practical Restoration Reports Compendium

206 pages
259 illustrations$30.00

Order this compilation of seven reports in one handy paperback volume. Several of the reports are no longer available as separate booklets.
Includes:

Steam Paint Removal

Heavy paint buildup on this carved wooden column capital is softened by steam and removed with careful scraping.

21 pages
23 illustrations
2 step-by-step methods$15.00

Sample Pages (PDF)
Steam paint removal softens the paint film so it can be more easily scraped away. It works well with the heavy paint buildup commonly found on the wooden exteriors of older buildings during house restoration and historic preservation projects. It can also be used on interior paint and on window maintenance and repairs. Report covers methods, techniques, equipment, sources, making custom steam heads and profiles three steam paint removal projects. 21 pages, 23 illustrations, 2 step-by-step methods (color cover, black & white inside)

8 thoughts on “Publications”

Good day Mr. Leeke,
I watched your video on the paint removal techniques. My home was build in the mid 20’s. I have replaced all windows with energy efficient ones. However, the doors throughout the house are wood. I started to strip one two days ago via chemical stripping. With progress being exceeding slow I got on line to check out other methods and found your site. Having several coats to strip away, the small areas where the wood is exposed got me excited. Beautiful wood to covered with paint.
Anyway, can I purchase the steam paint removal PDF for now? (Not really very computer savvy.)

Hello John,
Greetings from Michigan. I am coordinating a 9 week, yes 9 week, Preservation and job training program on behalf of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. As with the 2 week Wood Window Rehabilitation workshops that we started in 2009, I would like to provide our 10 participants with a copy of your Compendium. Do you have any price break if we were to order say 20?
All the Best
Steve Stier

Hi John,
I’ve enjoyed watching your repairing method for wood with epoxy.
I was wondering if you have any experience with 100 year old cedar shake siding? I am currently taking the old aluminum siding off and finding face nailed and nails from the aluminum in my 100 year old cedar shakes. Wondering if this is worth trying to save since my house is listed on the National Historic Register as a contributing home. Trying to bring her glory back.

Hi John,
I am curious how much the steam equipment would cost to purchase as I have a house with peeling paint problems both inside and out ie, gyprock sheeting inside and hardwood chamfer boards outside. I live in Brisbane, Qld Australia.Is there an outlet or supplier based anywhere near where I live ?
My name is Terry Walker
I hope to get a reply from you as your equipment looks a better option then other equipment I have seen. Thanks John